35+ Powerful Bible Verses About Enemies In The Bible

Dealing with enemies—whether they are personal rivals, spiritual oppositions, or even emotional battles—can be incredibly painful and confusing. It’s natural to feel anger, fear, or a desire for revenge. But the Bible provides a different path—one of forgiveness, justice, trust, and peace. These verses about enemies in the Bible offer not just spiritual truth but also practical guidance for navigating conflict.

From Old Testament stories of deliverance to Jesus’ radical command to love our enemies, Scripture helps us see the bigger picture. God reminds us that vengeance belongs to Him, that He is our defender, and that love often overcomes hostility in the most powerful ways.

35+ Powerful Bible Verses About Enemies In The Bible

In the list below, you’ll find 35 carefully chosen Bible verses about enemies, each followed by a simple, clear explanation to help you reflect and grow.

35 Bible Verses About Enemies In The Bible

1. Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Explanation: Jesus calls us to a higher standard—to respond to enemies with love and kindness, not retaliation.

2. Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Explanation: God promises justice. We can release our need for revenge and trust Him to make things right.

3. Psalm 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…

Explanation: Even when enemies surround us, God blesses and honors His people in their presence.

4. Proverbs 24:17

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Explanation: We’re warned not to celebrate our enemies’ failures. God values humility and mercy.

5. Exodus 14:14

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Explanation: In the face of conflict, God tells us to be still—He will fight on our behalf.

6. Luke 6:27

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Explanation: Jesus teaches radical love, even for those who hate us, showing His way is different from the world’s.

7. Proverbs 25:21

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Explanation: God calls us to kindness even toward those who oppose us. Love disarms hostility.

8. Psalm 37:1

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Explanation: Don’t worry about those who seem to prosper in evil. Their time is temporary.

9. 2 Chronicles 20:17

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord…

Explanation: When enemies rise, sometimes God simply asks us to trust and watch Him work.

10. Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Explanation: This verse teaches humility and non-retaliation, a response rooted in spiritual strength.

11. Psalm 110:1

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Explanation: God has full control over our enemies. His justice is sure.

12. Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…

Explanation: Even in pain, Jesus prayed for His enemies. He modeled the ultimate form of forgiveness.

13. Psalm 3:6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Explanation: Fear has no place when we trust God. He is bigger than our enemies.

14. Romans 12:20

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink…

Explanation: Kindness toward enemies is powerful and often surprising—it may lead to peace.

15. Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…

Explanation: God protects His people. Even if attacks come, they won’t succeed.

16. Proverbs 16:7

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Explanation: God can bring peace with enemies when we live righteously.

17. Psalm 18:3

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Explanation: Prayer is a powerful weapon. God rescues those who call on Him.

18. Deuteronomy 28:7

The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face…

Explanation: God fights for His people and gives them victory.

19. Psalm 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me…

Explanation: Even when surrounded by trouble and enemies, God revives and preserves us.

20. Proverbs 20:22

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

Explanation: We are not to take revenge. Trust in God’s salvation and timing.

21. Exodus 23:22

…I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

Explanation: God takes our enemies as His own—He becomes our defender.

22. Psalm 27:2

When the wicked, even mine enemies… came upon me… they stumbled and fell.

Explanation: God causes our enemies to fail when they come against His people.

23. Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee… I will help thee…

Explanation: God’s presence gives courage, even when enemies press in.

24. Psalm 34:21

Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

Explanation: Ultimately, those who oppose God’s people will face consequences.

25. Psalm 9:3

When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.

Explanation: God’s presence alone defeats enemies. He is our protector.

26. Deuteronomy 3:22

Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.

Explanation: We are not to be afraid—God goes to battle on our behalf.

27. Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise…

Explanation: Even when we fall, God lifts us up—defeating enemies with restoration.

28. Psalm 56:9

When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back…

Explanation: God responds to our prayers, and His power turns back our enemies.

29. Proverbs 17:13

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

Explanation: Those who harm others without cause will face lasting trouble.

30. Isaiah 59:19

…When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

Explanation: God intervenes with power when enemies rush in like a flood.

31. Lamentations 3:58

O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.

Explanation: God fights for us personally. He stands as our advocate.

32. 2 Samuel 22:4

I will call on the Lord… so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Explanation: David found deliverance through prayer—and so can we.

33. Psalm 41:11

By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

Explanation: God’s favor is seen when our enemies cannot overcome us.

34. Nahum 1:2

God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth… he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

Explanation: God is just. He does not overlook the actions of the wicked.

35. Psalm 91:7

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Explanation: God’s protection is powerful—even mass opposition won’t harm His people.

Final Thoughts: Trusting God Through Conflict

These verses about enemies in the Bible show us that while opposition may come, we are never alone. The Bible doesn’t promise a life free from enemies, but it does promise that God will be with us, protect us, and fight for us.

He calls us to rise above bitterness, walk in love, and leave justice in His hands. That kind of strength can only come through faith.

How Has God Helped You With Your Enemies?

Which of these verses about enemies in the Bible spoke to your heart today? Have you seen God move in a difficult relationship or conflict? Share your favorite scriptures or personal experiences in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to trust God fully, even when facing enemies.